Ducati and Shell Advance Lubricants have announced the first edition of the Shell Ducati Riders’ Day, an event that will bring together enthusiasts and Ducati owners for a day of track riding and training under DRE certified instructors. This first edition will also see the presence of factory Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso.

The event will be conducted on September 29 at the Buddh International Circuit, where the DRE Road Academy will train Ducati owners on improving their skills and safety on the road. An open-track session will also be conducted for all Ducati motorcycles, except for the Scrambler range. The Road Academy is limited to 25 slots and owners can book their slots for Rs 7,000, while the open-track session – limited to 40 slots – costs Rs 11,000. The track sessions will consist of five sessions of 15-20 minutes each.

Shell India recently conducted a contest from which 25 winners will get a chance to be a part of the event and meet with Andrea Dovizioso. The company will also conduct another contest for a select group of technicians and 10 of them finalised from the lot will get the opportunity to watch the Malaysian MotoGP at the Sepang Circuit on November 3.

]]>Vishal Venugopal Vishal Venugopal Shell Ducati Riders&#8217; Day announced, Andrea Dovizioso to be part of first edition2461402461401Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:50:00 +1000414118Vishal Venugopal Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000The event will be conducted on September 29 and will also include a DRE Road Academy and open track session.The event will be conducted on September 29 and will also include a DRE Road Academy and open track session.Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:50:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/shell-ducati-riders-day-announced-andrea-dovizioso-to-be-part-of-first-edition-414118#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Bikes+over+1000cc+feed414118Next-gen Suzuki Hayabusa patent reveals new details

The latest bit of info comes in the being in the form of a patent for a gear position sensor, images of which also reveal the frame, engine and some more changes. Sources claim that the frame is more advanced and lighter than the one on the outgoing model and that the engine is a larger version of the 1,340cc four-cylinder motor on the current gen-Hayabusa.

More importantly, the patent image indicates that bike will use a conventional gearbox, with a gear lever spindle seen. However, another set of similar images that surfaced online earlier in the year showed a more complicated DCT (dual-clutch) gearbox. What this exactly means can only be speculated for now, and we could see the next-gen Hayabusa available with two different gearbox options.

These aren't the only updates expected for the Hayabusa, and there’s still a lot of debate about what changes the engine will undergo. Suzuki will be looking to take the Hayabusa back to the top of the game, which indicates that it will come packed with features that enable it to take on rivals like the Kawasaki ZX-14R. This includes a comprehensive electronic package that will include ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes, multi-level traction control, IMU, cornering ABS and wheelie control.

2019 marks two decades since the Busa first came into existence and while launching the bike this year would have been symbolic, it’s unlikely to happen. We could only see the bike in the flesh sometime next year.

The big BMW GS is a living icon. There’s almost no mainstream motorcycle on sale today that is as unique or revered for its capabilities. The full-size GS takes such a left-of-field approach to things like the suspension and powertrain that it is probably the most unfamiliar and ‘different’ riding experience I’ve ever come across this side of riding an EV. Riding this bike was extra special for me because aside from a good friend’s old R 1150 GS from 2001, I have no experience with BMW’s big boxer-twin ADVs. So beyond the standard review, what you’re about to read is the impression this unique machine can make on an unfamiliar rider.

Big daddy

The very first emotion is anxiety; fear, even. This bike is comically large, and even though I’ve ridden bikes that weigh over a 100kg more, given the R 1250 GS Adventure’s sheer height and girth, the thought of threading it through Pune’s traffic formed a small lump in my throat. And therein comes the first of many new experiences. The GS feels so much easier to ride than its vast presence would have you believe. The effort required at the steering feels strangely light, and that’s because the unique Telelever front end, with its centrally mounted shock absorber, allows for the use of a slim 37mm fork, and that saves a lot of weight. You know what else has a 37mm fork? A Hero Xtreme 200R.

Another big contributor to the GS’ easy and super-stable feel is the low-slung 1,254cc boxer engine. This keeps weight as low as possible, further contributing to the feeling of lightness, despite the ginormous fuel tank between your legs. And what a character-filled motor this is. Gaining about 50cc for 2019, it starts up with a deep baritone note that sounds somewhere between your typical V-twin and parallel-twin engine notes.

Throttle smoothness has been tuned to perfection and the GS quickly laughed off a preconceived notion I’d held for years. For some reason, I always imagined the GS to be a big softie – a gentle giant, if you will. But opening the throttle at the first stretch of open road, sucker-punched that idea right out of my head. To be fair, I should have known better; 136hp and 143Nm are no joke, but what really got to me was how hard-hitting the low- and mid-range performance is. BMW’s new Shiftcam variable camshaft control system blesses an already torque-laden motor with what is now knockout mid-range performance and anything upwards of 3,000rpm is seriously quick. I spent the entire day between 3,000 and 6,000rpm, and the only time I found the 9,000rpm rev limiter was when I actively went looking for it; at this point it becomes clear that the mid-range is this engine’s happy place.

The engine and gearbox have a solid, indestructible feel, although the up/down quickshifter isn’t as precise as it should be. There’s the usual raft of riding modes, and because this is the Pro Model that we’re riding, it packs an additional Dynamic Pro and Off-Road Pro mode that can be set up as per the rider’s preferences. The Pro model also brings in electronically controlled suspension damping at both ends, which means you have control over the ride and handling character through the riding modes as well.

Keep rolling

Fifteen minutes into riding the GS, clarity begins to appear as to why this bike has grown into the legend it is. It just feels built to never stop, a fact highlighted by the 30-litre (thirty!) fuel tank. The motor doesn’t quite shock you with superbike performance like a Multistrada would, but instead it feels like the Airbus A380 of motorcycles – huge, effortless and ready to cross continents. Ride quality in Road mode feels a bit like an air-bus too – the soft and wallowy feel reminds you of being in a Volvo bus. In this mode, the GS floats along with a reassuringly detached feel, but hit a deep enough pothole and the suspension lets you know that while it can easily handle it, it doesn’t particularly like it.

Soon enough, you and your GS will discover a deliciously winding road, at which point you switch to Dynamic mode that firms the suspension up noticeably. Handling is fairly impressive, but it does take some getting used to the fact that the Telelever front end doesn’t compress much under braking like a normal fork would. In that respect, the Paralever rear suspension, which is hooked up to the big drive shaft, feels more natural in its function. Those of you concerned about what happens to those protruding engine cases when the bike leans over – fret not, there’s more than enough cornering clearance on offer.

Good roads don’t last very long in this part of the world and that’s of no concern to the GS because it will go wherever you point it. Riding this bike off-road is more down to the rider’s confidence than the bike’s capabilities. If you know what you’re doing, you can jump and slide this 268kg behemoth around all day. But in all honesty, this is the kind of bike I’d use to confidently cross any obstacles I come across on my journey, instead of looking for them just for fun.

The wonderful uniqueness of the GS continues in urban traffic. I had the good fortune of getting stuck in a monumental traffic jam caused by the annual Palkhi pilgrimage in Pune (Google it to get an idea of what I’m on about). Yes, the bike occupies nearly as much space as a rickshaw, so filtering through tight spaces isn’t going to happen, but I could think of worse bikes I could have been on. The BMW’s clutch is nice and light, but the big joy is in the weird lack of heat from the engine. In fact, I found that it was my upper body getting hot thanks to the incredible wind protection from all that wide bodywork.

In that sense, the ergonomics are superb for a tall rider, whether you sit or stand. The only quality-related quirk I could find was that the mirror stalk makes contact with the manually adjustable windscreen when it’s set in its lowest position – most un-BMW that. As for the design... well, it’s purposeful, but that’s about it, especially given the kilometres worth of exposed steel tubing all over.

Living with the legend

Spending just a day with the R 1250 GS Adventure has been enough to shed light on why it’s so revered and for me to have developed a deep sense of respect. With prices starting at Rs 18.25 lakh for the Standard model and Rs 21.95 lakh for the Pro, this is definitely not a bike for everybody. If it’s instant gratification you’re after, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 will hit the spot much harder, and it’ll save you a few bucks in between, but I can’t shake the suspicion that if the GS and I were to go on a long journey over many thousands of kilometres, that’s when true love will blossom. If you want to channel your inner Ewan McGregor and go the ‘long way round’, this probably remains the most accomplished motorcycle in the world to take along with you.

The 2019 Indian FTR 1200 S and FTR 1200 S Race Replica were launched at Indian Motorcycle’s brand new dealership in Mumbai, today. The FTR 1200 S is priced at Rs 15.99 lakh while the Race Replica will set you back by Rs 17.99 lakh. The Race Replica variant is essentially in a different colour scheme and comes with a red trellis frame (the frame on the S trim is black) and Akrapovic exhaust.

The Indian FTR 1200 S and the FTR 1200 S Race Replica are street-oriented flat-tracker style motorcycles inspired by the championship-winning FTR 750 Scout that ruled the flat-track races in America. The FTR 1200 S is the brand's first streetfighter motorcycle and makes the Indian Motorcycle brand accessible to a wider audience.

Both motorcycles are powered by a 1,203cc V-twin engine that produces 120hp at 8,250rpm, and 115Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. A 6-speed gearbox with a slipper-clutch handles transmission duties.

The new Indian FTRs feature modern, Bosch six-axis IMU-based electronics that aid traction control, wheelie control and ABS systems. The bike also has three riding modes – Standard, Sport and Rain.

The FTR 1200 S is suspended by a fully adjustable USD fork at the front and monoshock at the rear. Radially mounted Brembo brakes take care of braking duties.

Indian Motorcycle says the FTR 1200 S’ lightweight frame and clever positioning of the fuel tank (under the seat) has helped lower the bike's centre of gravity. This – along with the wide and flat, ProTaper handlebar makes the FTR 1200 S quite a nimble handler; although we shall verify this after a proper road test.

Other highlights of the motorcycle include a 4.3-inch, LCD touchscreen instrument cluster that can be paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The screen can be operated even with gloves on.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new showroom and launch of the FTR 1200 S, Pankaj Dubey, Managing Director, Polaris India Pvt Ltd said, “We are proud to bring America’s first motorcycle company, Indian Motorcycle, to the city of dreams Mumbai. Our new dealership will provide the bike aficionados of Mumbai, a world-class mobility solution with a slice of history. The highly anticipated dealership in Mumbai will set a new benchmark for service and support making buying and owning an Indian Motorcycle a truly enjoyable experience. With the new dealership, we’ve launched the new FTR 1200 S and FTR 1200 S Race Replica in Mumbai for the customers who are adventure-seekers and want to try their hands on the new-age street bike. Customers are at the heart of the Indian Motorcycle ecosystem and this new dealership will offer a wide range of retail accessories and customising options while choosing an Indian Motorcycle.”

This past week, Honda conducted the opening leg of its 'Africa Twin True Adventure Camp’ close to the Damdama Lake in Haryana. The event included theoretical and practical sessions and was attended by 20 riders who were trained on the basics of off-road riding by Vijay Parmar, president, Himalayan Motorsport Association.

The camp will soon be conducted in Mumbai, Bangalore and Kochi, with other cities across the country to be added to the calendar, soon. The intention behind the camp is to help Africa Twin owners grasp a better understanding of their motorcycle’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and four riding modes – Tour, Urban, Gravel and User.

The Africa Twin is powered by a 999.11cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 88.91hp and 93.1Nm of torque. However, rumour has it that that there’s a larger-displacement, more powerful iteration in the works that we could see in the market sometime next year. To read about what we think of the current-gen Africa Twin, head here.

Thus, Honda joins other big adventure-bike manufacturers like BMW and Triumph in introducing an event that helps customers better understand and use their motorcycles.

Ducati India has launched the 2019 Diavel 1260 and Diavel 1260 S in India at Rs 17.70 lakh and Rs 19.25 lakh, respectively. The new models replace the existing Diavel – one of Ducati India’s most popular motorcycles.

The new Ducati Diavel 1260 has been built completely from the ground up and features a new chassis, suspension, steering geometry and a lot more. It shares the same 1,262cc, liquid-cooled, L-twin engine that you see in the new Multistrada 1260 and XDiavel. We got a chance to ride the new Diavel 1260 in Spain, and you can read about it here.

The new Diavel 1260 and Diavel S look quite distinct, with a muscular stance, exposed trellis frame and the fat 240/45 R17 rear tyre mounted on a single-sided swingarm. The single-piece seat sits on a short subframe and the twin-LED tail-lamp strips retain the characteristic Diavel style that we’ve seen in the previous model.

Both the Diavel 1260 and Diavel 1260 S are powered by the same Testastretta L-twin engine and produce identical power (159hp at 9,500rpm) and torque (129Nm at 7,500rpm), with the unit paired to a 6-speed transmission; both bikes also share their trellis frame. Compared to the previous model, the rake has been dropped by one degree and there’s a slight drop in trail as well. This has made the new Diavel quicker to steer while taking noticeably less effort to do so.

The suspension and brake components on both models are different, with the S boasting of top-level, adjustable Ohlins and Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers at the front.

The new Ducati Diavel also feature 6-axis IMU-based electronic rider aids with three riding modes – Urban, Touring and Sport. Urban mode chops power to 100hp while Touring and Sport are full-power modes. Cornering ABS is standard.

The 1260 S gets a bi-directional quick-shifter as standard, as well as the Ducati Multimedia system and Ducati Link App, allowing riders to hook their smartphones to log ride data.

The new Diavel 1260 and Diavel 1260 S are available at all Ducati dealerships in the country and are open for bookings.

10. 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2

Price - Rs 34.99 lakh

While Rs 34.99 lakh may seem like a lot, it makes the Ninja H2 the most affordable motorcycle on this list. For 2019, the hypersport motorcycle gets a new intake system, ECU, tyres, brakes and lot more. Grabbing the headlines is its 31hp hike in power, which now stands at 231hp. Torque is also up by 8.2Nm, taking the superbike's total torque output to 141.7Nm. The hypersport motorcycle also gets a special “self-healing” paint job.

9. Indian Chieftain Limited

Price - Rs 39.19 lakh

The Chieftain line of motorcycles is Indian’s equivalent of the Harley Davidson Touring range – massive motorcycles made to conquer highways – and the Chieftain Limited is the most expensive one of the lot. The 2019 Chieftain Limited features the Ride Command system that the brand claims has the largest screen, and the fastest and most customisable user interface on two wheels. It features navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, vehicle information and more. Other equipment includes a premium audio system that automatically adjusts for riding conditions and cruise control. The 1,811cc Thunder Stroke III V-twin that produces 161Nm of torque makes long highway cruises a breeze, and the adjustable windscreen, saddlebags and custom seats only make the journey easier.

8. 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon

Price - Rs 41.79 lakh

If even the H2 isn’t exclusive enough for you, Kawasaki has another bike that takes it up a notch (or two). Dubbed the H2 Carbon, this bike has a carbon-fibre upper-cowl that adds to its visual drama. It is powered by the same engine fitted on the 2019 Ninja H2 which makes 231hp and 141.7Nm of torque. The H2 Carbon also gets the new intake system, ECU, tyres, brakes and special self-healing paint job seen on the Ninja H2.

7. Indian Roadmaster

Price - Rs 42.15 lakh

The Roadmaster is the Springfield manufacturer’s take on a cross-country cruiser. It gets a touchscreen Ride Command system, an electric front screen, adjustable footboards, keyless ignition, heated grips and heated seats. Indian Motorcycle had also sold one unit of the exclusive Roadmaster Elite for Rs 48 lakh (ex-showroom), earlier this year. You can read more about that model here.

6. Harley-Davidson CVO

Price - Rs 50.53 lakh

This is the most expensive motorcycle sold by ‘The Company’. 'CVO' stands for Custom Vehicle Operations and the motorcycle exclusively gets the manufacturer's most powerful engine – the 1,923cc Milwaukee Eight 117 – along with heated seats, heated grips, an audio system, Bluetooth headsets, a colour screen and keyless locking/unlocking.

5. Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale

Price - Rs 51.8 lakh

The standard Panigale V4 offers more performance and style than most people will require. However, Ducati seem to have felt otherwise because this is the Panigale V4 Speciale – an even more special Panigale V4. Limited to just 1,500 units, the extra money will get you adjustable foot pegs, an Alcantara-trimmed seat, carbon bits and a lot of attention. It also gets a beautifully crafted Akrapovic titanium exhaust that takes the power to 226hp, up from what is already a mind-boggling 214hp on the stock bike.

4. Ducati Panigale V4 R

Price - Rs 51.87 lakh

The Panigale V4 R is the homologated version of the already-manic Panigale V4. The 998cc motor (the stock Panigale V4 features a 1,103cc engine) is a derivative of the Ducati Desmosedici GP racer – with identical bore and stroke – and churns out a whopping 221hp at 15,250rpm and 112Nm of peak torque at 11,500rpm. There is also an optional aftermarket Akrapovič racing exhaust system that bumps the power output to 234hp at 15,500rpm. At Rs 51.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) the Panigale V4 R is one of the most powerful production motorcycles to go on sale in the country.

3. Ducati Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916

Price – Rs 54.90 lakh

This limited-edition Panigale V4 celebrates 25 years of the company’s iconic 916. Called the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916, the motorcycle is limited to 500 units and is the most expensive iteration of the V4. The Ducati 916 is accountable for some of Ducati’s most impressive racing statistics – 120 race wins, eight constructors' titles and six riders' titles. A bike that’s a homage to it certainly has to have a lot on offer, and this limited edition sure does. The 25° Anniversario 916 shares most of its mechanicals, like the engine and suspension, with the Panigale V4 S, while using the sportier frame from the V4 R. It also features a dry clutch, and gets track-specific electronics, such as Ducati Quick Shift EVO 2 and Ducati Traction Control EVO 2. It also runs forged-magnesium Marchesini Racing wheels, a titanium Akrapovič exhaust and a long list of carbon-fibre and billet-aluminium components.

2. 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2R

Price - Rs 75.80 lakh

The maddest bike in the H2 stable is also the second-most expensive bike on sale in India – and by a considerable margin. The numbers on the H2R are almost beyond belief – a stratospheric 326hp (with Ram Air) and 165Nm of torque – all from just a 998cc supercharged engine. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the H2R isn’t a street-legal motorcycle – primarily because it comes shod with slick tyres – so buyers can use it only at the track. The 2019 Ninja H2R has been updated with Brembo Stylema brakes, the special self-healing paintjob and the new supercharged emblem on the engine casing.

1. BMW HP4 Race

Price – Rs 86.70 lakh

Topping the list is BMW Motorrad's most exclusive production motorcycle. Priced at Rs 85 lakh (ex-showroom), the BMW HP4 Race is the most expensive motorcycle on sale in India. What makes the elusive BMW motorcycle stand out in terms of looks is its extensive use of carbon fibre. It’s the first production bike in the world to offer a mainframe made entirely of carbon fibre, which weighs just 7.8kg.

The bike also features carbon-fibre wheels and by employing lightweight materials, the HP4 Race tips the scale at just 171kg – the standard motorcycle weighs 208kg. As expected, the bike features top-shelf cycle parts and the motor has been tuned to pump out 215hp. The HP4 Race is, understandably, a track-only motorcycle and isn’t road-legal. You can read more about this German beast here.

Ducati has released a teaser image stating it’ll reveal its MY2020 motorcycle range on October 23, 2019, at the Ducati World Premiere in Rimini, Italy. The bike maker usually unveils its new models at its annual World Premiere event a few days before the EICMA, and it’s the same case this year as well.

The bike in the teaser image is covered, but the initial guess is that it could be the production version of the new Ducati Streetfighter V4. However, Ducati recently revealed theStreetfighter V4 Prototypein an almost production-ready form, with only a few camouflage tapes hiding the design details. Besides which, the shape of the fuel tank under the wraps doesn’t really look like the Streetfighter’s.

Another possibility is that the motorcycle in the teaser image could possibly be the 2020 Ducati Multistrada V4. Rumours have it that Ducati has been developing a flagship Multistrada with the 1,103cc V4 Stradale engine that made its debut in the Panigale V4. Recently, a 2020 Multistrada test mule was spotted in Italy and the pictures suggest that it could be running on the new V4 engine, further fuelling speculation.

The new V4 engine in the Panigale produces 214hp and 124Nm, but it will be in a different state of tune in the Streetfighter and Multistrada. We already know that the engine in the Streetfighter will make 200hp, a figure causally slipped into the release when the bike was showcased for the Pikes Peak International hillclimb.

Besides revealing the new Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the mystery bike that we see under wraps, an update to the xDiavel could also be on the cards, in terms of giving the bike the updated set of electronics that debuted on the Diavel 1260.

The Ducati World Premiere surely is an exciting time if you are a Ducati fan, but the prospect of a V4 Multistrada has got us rubbing our hands in anticipation. Going by the terrific performance that the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak offers, it’ll be interesting to see what a V4 Multistrada feels like to ride.

]]>Staff Writer Staff Writer Ducati to unveil 2020 model range on October 23, 20192461402461401Sun, 4 Aug 2019 09:00:00 +1000413678Staff Writer Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000The 2020 Streetfighter V4 and the new Multistrada V4 could also be showcased on the same day.The 2020 Streetfighter V4 and the new Multistrada V4 could also be showcased on the same day.Sun, 4 Aug 2019 09:00:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/ducati-to-unveil-2020-model-range-on-october-23-2019-413678#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+Bikes+over+1000cc+feed413678Ducati India to conduct the Big Indian Scramble on Independence Day

Ducati India will hold the ‘Big Indian Scramble’ on August 15, 2019 on the occasion of India’s 73rd Independence Day. The Independence Day ride is being held in order to raise funds for the Lotus Petal Foundation, an NGO that works towards the betterment of underprivileged children in the country. The Foundation provides education, healthcare and meals to the urban poor.

The Ride will begin at 7am from the Ducati dealerships in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Ducati owners, customers and Ducati India staff will participate in the Independence Day ride.

Speaking about the initiative, Sergi Canovas, MD of Ducati India, said, “We at Ducati India, along with our fellow Ducatisti, always strive to stand for causes that are aimed towards the development and betterment of the society and the nation. The Big India Scramble ride is the second event in the series that brings motorcycle enthusiasts together to contribute towards the education of underprivileged children in India. Ducati India believes in the right to education and through this ride, we wish to create awareness around the need for quality education for all. It will be a proud moment for Ducati India to see participation from Ducatisti across the country carrying the spirits of Independence and nationalism, spreading the message of education.”